It all started with an idea, or even a feeling. That lightbulb moment that served as the motivation for you to start your own business. Now how did you bring that vision to life? If you are still in the ideation phase, you may be wondering how you will do so. Today we will be talking about the importance of graphic design in shaping and growing your business.

Until you start taking notice, graphic design may not be something you think about. But the truth is, it’s all around us. You may initially think of websites, magazines or logos. Consider the less obvious forms of design as well. For example, the app icons on your phone, the street signs on your drive to work, or even the label on the water bottle on your desk. These elements of design are visually communicating the rules and structures of society on a daily basis.

Unless you are starting a business making street signs, you may wonder how this applies to you. Let’s talk about graphic design in terms of business.

“Design is the body language of your marketing. Don’t slouch.” – Mark King

What is graphic design in terms of business?

Graphic design is a visual language for your customers. It expresses your message using consistent text, images and symbols.

How graphic design supports your business. The four elements.

BEAUTY

Graphic design supports the beauty of your business by telling your story. It expresses what is at the core of your brand and embodies its values through the choice of colors, text, symbols and style. Your visual aesthetic shows your personality and sets the tone for your mission or purpose.

FUNCTION

Graphic design supports the function of your business by inviting your customers to take the desired action. It gives them a seamless experience when navigating the functions of your offerings. With good design in place, you can turn visitors into conversions, helping you achieve sales and business growth. It can also facilitate interaction which contributes to the growth of your community as well.

IMPACT

Graphic design helps you make an impact with current and potential customers. It helps you make a powerful first impression as well as a lasting memory. Your design can help you come to mind the next time your customers are looking for a solution in line with your product or service. It helps you stand out amongst your competitors.

REPUTATION

Graphic design helps you to be perceived in a positive light, and thought of in the way you’d like to be thought of. By utilizing graphic design, you can radiate professionalism and credibility through the assets of your marketing. It will help your customers trust their decision to work with your business.

Tips to implement graphic design into your business based on budget.

On a budget:

If you are just starting out, or in a tight place financially, here are some cost effective ways to add graphic design into your business.

• Fake it till you make it. Try your hand at designing with accessible design software like Canva, which offers a variety of templates for different marketing purposes.
• Study the basics with a free online design course or become a student of YouTube.
• Use pre-designed logo templates and downloads.
• Use website builder templates.
• Hire a freelance designer on a project basis for smaller, more important projects only. Keep the skill level of the designer in mind for pricing. Know what you want beforehand to save costs on multiple revisions.

With some cash to invest:

Your business is growing past the initial stages and you are ready to invest more in graphic design, beyond what you can do yourself.

• Hire an intermediate level designer for several months on a contract basis to get the essentials of your business set up, website, logo package, branding assets.

Going all out:

You are feeling like a boss and ready to delegate your graphic design work completely to a professional.

• Hire an experienced designer as a permanent member of your team
• Work with a design agency

In Conclusion

Graphic design can massively transform your business and set your brand up for future success. It supports the beauty, function, impact and reputation of your business. With a skillful combination of these elements, your business will be growing in accordance with your vision.

Remember, thinking about the why behind your brand and how you want it to feel will help guide your decisions. You’ll want to consider where you’re at in your business and use resources that fit your situation. Like marketing as a whole, graphic design is always evolving, so get out there and try it! You can always make changes down the line if you decide to go a new direction.

The She Reigns Creative team offers the full range of graphic design services including custom logos, brand packages, web design, custom digital print materials (ebooks, lead magnets etc.) and SO much more. We also integrate our brand and graphic design work into the rest of our full marketing services – so you get the full package!

Schedule a call to learn more. We can’t wait to bring your brand to life!